Pupils to cycle free at Olympic velodrome in legacy drive when it reopens in March

 
Legacy: pupils will be able to emulate Olympic champions at the Velodrome
23 January 2014

Corporate events at the former Olympic velodrome will fund free visits by schoolchildren in a bid to keep the Olympic legacy alive when the venue reopens in March.

Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford — which includes a BMX track, mountain biking and a road race circuit as well as track cycling — is inviting companies to use the space for team-bonding exercises and entertaining clients.

The money raised from the events will be used to continue the Olympic legacy among local pupils by raising awareness of the sport.

Velo Events, which has been appointed to run corporate cycling challenges at the park, said March was “fully booked” and that it had been inundated with inquiries from firms.

The venue is to reopen on March 12 for the first time since the London Olympics, and will charge as little as £2 to £3 per person per hour when it holds the first public sessions from March 31. The opening will be followed by world cup event Revolutions on March 14-15, with Olympic stars competing. The Velodrome will have 500 extra seats — bringing the total to 6,000 — and a new airlock at the main entrance to keep the venue at its optimum temperature of 28C.

Cyclists from Herne Hill Velodrome have been riding the 42-degree banking of the 250 metre track every week to ensure the Serbian pine boards stay in shape.

Mike Rimmer, managing director of Velo Events, said: “We were successful in our tender to be the staging partner for the VeloPark corporate days because of our experience of running events at other velodromes.

“We truly understand what business return our corporate clients will enjoy, as well as the excitement both they and their guests can get from riding on the track made world famous by Chris Hoy, Laura Trott and Victoria Pendleton.

“What makes this initiative even more exciting is the return we can also give local schools. Our mission is clear — help deliver the legacy promised by Lord Coe and ensure that the venue works for everyone.”

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